WIND energy will be used to power a Fenland school after its new turbine was officially switched on today (Friday). Elm Primary School has installed a wind turbine with a �10,000 Co-operative grant match funded by �14,000 from the Government s low carbon

WIND energy will be used to power a Fenland school after its new turbine was officially switched on today (Friday).

Elm Primary School has installed a wind turbine with a �10,000 Co-operative grant match funded by �14,000 from the Government's low carbon building programme.

Headteacher Chris Child said: "The turbine will reduce our carbon footprint save us money and help us to inspire pupils about environmental issues.

"We would like to thank The Co-operative for supporting this important project and helping our school to lead the way on renewable energy.

"We are working on a number of initiatives to make Elm Primary a greener school and the switch-on of this impressive wind turbine is an enormous boost to our efforts."

The Co-operative's carbon and climate change adviser Max Bishop said: "By switching on the wind turbine Elm Primary School is helping to educate the next generation about climate change while setting an excellent example to other schools businesses and homes in the Wisbech area."

Sundog Energy erected the 15m turbine on the school field where it was officially switched on by pupils today (Friday).

It is expected that it will generate 4,380 units of electricity each year.

Pupil Charlotte Rockliffe, 11, said: "I think the wind turbine is great because it saves electricity and energy for Elm School and makes the world a better place."

Pupils will monitor the amount of energy the turbine is generating and the amount of carbon dioxide they have saved to date.